A corpora



H. KOREN AND D. A. CLARK.

BOX. APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 5. 1914. 1,318,772. Patented Oct. 14,1919.

2 SHEETS-SHEET I ZZ/z'zzzsssss: Q Jizzrazzzars H. KOREN AND D. A. CLARK.

BOX.

APPLICATION Fl LED SEPT. 5. 19M. 1,318,772. Patented 0@1;. 14,1919.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2.

1 M A. @eem/K WM UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

HARA-LD KOREN AND DON A. CLARK, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO, ASSIGNORS TO THE DIA-MOND STAMPING WORKS-COMPANY, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO, A CORPORA- TION OF OHIO.

BOX.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 14, 1919.

Application filed September 5,.1914. Serial No. 860,497.

T 0 all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, HARALD KDREN and Don ALCLARK, citizens of the United States, residing at Cleveland, in the county of Guyahoga and State of Ohio, have inventeda certain new and useful Improvement 111 Boxes, ofiwhich the following is a full,

clear, and exact description, reference being object: of the invention is the provision of a construction and arrangement. ofparts permitting abox or like container toibe made of sheet metal with a weight not materially if any greater than that of the lightest practical wooden box oflike size, while having a, strength far in excess of any. wooden container. Other objects of the invention are the provision of a metal box having an improved corner and edge construction, permitting the box to be constructed of a minimum of parts, while possessing a maximum of strengthandtightness; the provision of a metallic box construction having a symmetrical arrangement of members; the provioperations; the provisionof a-box that can be operated by a single person under all conditions and which can be used and reused many times without becoming so damaged in transit as to become worthless; the provision of a box of such construction that upon damage in transit it can easily be re- For reasons fully set forth in our copending application Serial No. 860,496 of even date herewith each side of our improved box is preferably formed from a single plate of sheet metal by first folding over the marginal' edges of the plate, and afterward stamping or drawing the same so as to give it a tray or dish form having the folded portion as a rim. iThis operation adds strength to the edges by reason of the folding and the drawing, thus forminga kind of frame, and also stretches the metal of the sheet or web thereby placing it under tension and safeguarding the sameagainst denting or deformation. The angle between this rim and the metal ofthe web is preferably substantially either 45 or 1359, so that when adjacent box members are brought together the adjacent rims make close facial contact with each other, thus permitting their securing.

together in any one of several different ways and increasing the stiffness of the framework above mentioned. Also in many cases certain of the rims are formed with a lip or flangeadapted to embrace the edges of the abutting rims so as to prevent side shifting. In other cases particular modifications of this rim structure are adopted for the purpose of'securing the parts together and of permitting the cooperationv of the locking means therewith. 1

Also in order to compete with wooden boxes ametal box must ordinarily. be constructed soas to stand a plurality of trips, which necessitates return from destination to point of shipment ,ineach instance,,and this return practically necessitates such a knock-down construction as to permit itto be returned folded thus saving transportation charges The provision. of a knockdown construction isnot so difficult as is the parts of the box when in knock-down; condition and retain-the same during rcshipment, said collar being also employed as a clamp .to holdthe parts of the box in assembled tional view taken through a box of our invention; Fig. 2 represents a vertical, transverse, cross-sectional view through the same box; Fig. 3 is a perspective view illustrating in enlarged scale the edge and corner construction of our improved box, the parts being slightly separated in order to show their individual shape; Fig. i represents in side elevation a portion of the collar; Fig. 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken upon the line 55 of Fig. l and looking down wardly; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a complete assembled box constructed in accordance with our invention; and Fig. 7 is a view of the same box in knockdown condition with the parts secured together for reshipment.

Describing the parts by reference characters, 1 represents the bottom, 2 the top, 3 and 4 the sides, and 5 and 6 the ends of our improved box. In this specfication 3, 41-, 5 and 6 will be'denominated generally as side members. Each of the box members is formed of a smooth, fiat plate of thin sheet metal having at its margin a stifiening and securing rim, bent outwardly from the plane of the plate. Each of the members has its opposite-rims substantially symmetrical so as to permit it to be assembled in either position indiscriminately hese rims being generally not identical with the engaging rims of the adjacent members, but complementary thereto. Thus, in the embodiment here shown, the margins of the sides 3 and 4. are formed at their ends with plain outturned rims 77, projecting outwardl at an angle of approximately 135. Similarly the ends 5 and 6 are provided with marginal rims 88, whose extremities are formed with laterally turned lips or flanges 9 adapted to overlap the rims of the adjacent members. i

The bottom member 1 is preferably formed at each of its margins with a rim 10. turned upwardly at an angle of 135 and having its marginal portion folded over inwardly as at 1l11 so as to define an open groove or pocket. Each of theupright members 3, and 6 is formed at its lower edge with an outwardly turned rim 12, arranged at an angle of substantially 45 so as to permit its being hooked under the corresponding lip 11. The width of the groove defined between the lip 11 and rim 10 is preferably such as to receive snugly the entering rim 12, and the length of the various rims is preferably such as to cause them to become seated all at the same time whereby a bracing effect is produced. Each of the side members 3, 4:, 5 and 6 is preferably formed at its upper edge with a rim which is exactly the counterpart of that at its lower edge, and indicated on the drawings by the same reference characters, this construction serving to facilitate considerably the manufacture of the box and also to permit it to be assembled with a minimum of care and attention. Each of the rims above mentioned is preferably' formed by first folding over outwardly the metal of the plate or blank so as to double its thickness and add to its stilfness. The rims are then formed preferably by a drawing operation between dies, whereby the metal of the web is displaced away from the rims, thus stretching the metal and placing it under tension. These angles or creases are preferably located within the folded portions of the plates so as to take advantage of the bracing action afforded thereby.

lVith the construction so far described, the box sides, when attached to the base member and drawn into upright position, define an outwardly and downwardly sloping seat for the reception of the cover member, and this cover member is formed at each margin with an outwardly and downwardly sloping rim 15 adapted to rest thereon. Also, in order to prevent the col lapsing of the side members, the cover member is also preferably formed with an abrupt shoulder 16 inside of the sloping portion and adapted to engage and back up the side members as shown in Fig. 2. The marginal portions of the cover member are preferably reinforced by folding as in the other cases. t will be seen that when this cover is secured in place the box as a whole will become a rigid unyielding structure and resistant both to interior and exterior pressure. 7 For securing this cover in place we have d'viscd a peculiar clamp or collar which consists essentially of a rectangular metal frame having a top 20 adapted to rest upon the uppermost portion of the cover, and surrounded by a depending skirt 21 adapted to surround and conceal the rims 15. the sides of the collar these skirts are formed with inwardly projecting cars 22 apted to engage beneath the rims 12 of side members while the collar is enstream to the 1 engagement and; vdisengagement of 7 t s a Su ab mea svnm edz fo drawi g og r he We halys 1. O th collar so as to force theearsbeneath the rims side'of the point-23. a guidexrodfifiis secured in the ca-vity thus produced and projects into the czvityv OIL: the opposite side the opposite side of the collar as show-mat -,28. The body of thislinkis pneferably'arrangedoutside of the collar so-as to shield 7 its ,pivotal points, the skirt-21 being suitably slotted for its passagewas shown atv29, an' dthe parts being so 1 arranged that; when the collar isconstricted the lever 25 Willzlie-inside this skirtasindicated; in Figs, G- and 7; :The lever 25, is shown as; providedwith a slot adapted When brought-to closed; position to, register with; a, slot; 31; formed: in the skirt, -.so as to f permit the passing; therethrough of aSealihgzdevice-BZ- In t e present embodiment: the; slot 31 is; shown, as .formed in an ear'33'; struck out from; the skirt 21, sorthat' the lever. may be; received between saidv ear; and the skirt,- it hus forming a secure seat forpthe leyer and' increasingthe di fiiculty ofimanipulajtlng thelever Without breaking the seal.v

At-theends of'theboxythe lower edgeof the skirt 21 is rolled to,:.form alfalseire forming 'a veryx connenienti hand-hold for the manipulation:ofa-the box At one thus forming j a guide. v the sides of the box the skirt 21 terminates in an inwardly projecting, ledge 37; the; Width o-frthis ledge *an'diits distance from the'iface QObeing such :as to permit zitito receiveandtengage the rims 107 -10 ot-"the bottonrmem'berl when the box is knocked down for reshipment,

there being providedrbetween the. bottom plate and the topplatel in such case sufficient "space to receive the;remainingymembersof the box as illustrated in'Eig. 7; iAft tlle,

inner :edge the face 20iis' preferably} formed With axdownturned -flange,38. Which serves to stiffen :the collar and to support the Weight. of other boxes piled thereon, and also limits, the-opening movement of the 'collar member by engaging the shoulder16. 5 Reference rh'aszh'eretofore been-madeto the factthat when. the cover; member ls-secured i inr place,rthe entire box1 is rig-id.- jBeforethe "application of; this ecover thegside members are Wholly, disconnected. Accordingly for the purpose ;O,,Ei temporarily, holding these members in place Y during ;the;, g? of the box and the -application of the-.covenwe have illustrated a removableclamp or clip ee. mpr g. we tw rsrgv. entirely:

sar-y bythe prioi state of thearting jaws l0l 0; connected by flexible elastic plate 41 and having operating handles 42 .112, the jaws being preferably formed with forwardly; projecting teeth 43 I adaptedto; enter suitable apertures in the rims. 7. and 8; Ofcourse staples or rivets could; be employed as in. our copending application hereinbeferereferred to, but these are unnecessary, the clipshere suggested being, amplysuilicient to retain the side members implace, andthein use rendering-it very ccnyenient for thebox to .be manipulated by one person,

- While we havedescribed our invention in detail and; pointed; out at length the 0011- slruction and arrangementscnow preferred together with; the reasonstherefor, 1t Wlll --be understood that many changes could. be

made in. minor points Without sacrificing the advantages contemplated; wherefore we donot confineourselvesto the details, herein set; forth; except as the same may be specifically recited in the claims hereto; annexed on; may. be. rendered neces- Having thus, described our: invention,

1. In a sheet metal box,thecombination ithgsheet; metal. Wall members having their edges formed for;- interengagement, of

an, independently rigid collar member 1 adapted.- to embrace said edges and retain said- Wall; members in engagin ,relation While assembled, said. cpllarmem er being also arranged and adaptedl to receiye and secure the various 'Wallg members? when knocked ClOW-Il. I

1-15mm heet: metal Q s i llel e b nati with; a bottom member,- ofigai plurality of side, members, having- ,opposite marginal .portionssimilarl-y-shaped, said bottom member being formed for interlocking engagement with certain marginal portionsof said side, members, thesadj aeent marginal; pore t1 ons, of: sa d side -members be ng formed a for directinterengagement, a cover member adapted to rest? upon: said side members fand secure'themf togethery and a collar member adapted to embrace the edgesaof thecover an d} sidcss'and to clamp said cover. member ice-said s dememberswhile assembled, sa1d collar; member? be ng; also, arranged and .adapted to receive andisecure; said bottom member, cover mem ber, and SlClB, members when knocked down.

. In akrectangular sheet inwardly. opening undercnt pockets, of a plurality of side; members having outtujrned murginal, rims adapted; to beihooked into said, pockets t and seated, simultaneously the is whe e ya a ahrs ssfiss isP du d and a cover member havmg marginal rims adapted to overlie, the upper edges of said sidefmembers to ether-With means for seo v 1 20 metal box, the comb nation-wi th a bottom member 5 haying curing said cover member to said side members.

In a rectangular sheet metal box, the combination, with a bottom member having its marginal portions upturned to form inwardly opening undercut pockets, of a plurality of side members each of which has opposite margins similarly outturned and adapted to be hooked into said pockets and seated siu'iultaneously therein whereby a bracing effect is produced, said side members being reversible, a cover member having its marginal portions formed to embrace the margins of said side members, and means for securing said cover member to said side members.

5. In a rectangular sheet metal box, the combination, with a bottom member having its marginal portions upturned to form inwardly opening undercut pockets, of a plurality of side members each of which has oposite margins similarly outturned and adapted to be hooked into said pockets and seated simultaneously therein whereby a bracing effect is produced, the remaining margins of said side members being formed for interengagement with the margins of adjacent side members, ;a collar member adapted to be constricted about said side members and having portions adapted to engage beneath the outturned margins of the same, said cellar member also having an overhanging portion, and a cover member adapted to be gripped beneath said overhanging portion.

6. The combination, with a knockdown metal box, of a contractible collar member adapted to surround the same and having portions adapted to overlie the box cover, the inner face of said collar member being formed at a point removed from said over lying portion with inwardly projecting members adapted to engage the box sides when the same is assembled and also to engage the box bottom when knocked down, the distance between said overlying portion and said inwardly projecting members being sufficient to permit all of the box parts to be'packed therein.

7.'The combination, with a knockdown box of a rectangular collar member adapted to surround the same, opposite sides of said collar member being severed and intermediate sides being formed with inwardly projecting portions, contracting devices operatively connected to the severed sides of said collar member and adapted to draw together the intermediatesides, the inwardly projecting portions of said collar member being arranged both to secure together the box members when assembled and to receive and retain those members when knocked down;

8. The combination, with a knockdown box of a rectangular collar member adapted into other of the same.

to surround the same, opposite sides of said collar member being severed and intermediate sides being formed with inwardly projecting portions, contracting devices operatively connected to the severed sides of said collar member and adapted to draw together the intermediate sides, and said inwardly projecting portions being ar ranged to engage and secure together the cover and sides of the box, the edges of said collar member being rolled to form a hand hold. w

9. A collar member for knockdown boxes, said member being of rectangular shape and having opposite sides severed, a lever pivoted to said member at one side of each point of severance, a link pivoted to each lever at a point between its free end and said first pivot, the opposite end of each link being pivoted to said collar at the other side of the corresponding point of severance, and engaging devices carried by the intermediate sides of said collar member and adapted to secure together the portions of the box with which they come in contact, the edges of said severedsides being rolled to form false wires, and guide rods secured in certain of the rolled portions and projecting adapted to secure together the" portions of the box with which they come in contact and said severed ends being formed with seats for the reception of said levers when locked.

11. A collar member for knockdown boxes, said member being of rectangular shape and having opposite sides severed, a lever pivoted to the inner face of each of said severed sides adjacent to the point of severance, a link pivoted to the outer face of each of said sides beyond such point of severance, the opposite ends of said links being pivoted to the corresponding levers and the sides of said collar being slotted adjacent to said levers for the passage of said links, and engaging devices carried by the intermediate sides of said collar and adapted to secure together the portions of the box with which they come in contact.

12. The'co'mbination, with the face members of a rectangular box, of a collar member constructed and arranged to encircle "said box'when assembled or to receive and inclose said face members when disassembled, and means for constricting and expand collar member, and a hand hold carried by ing said collar member. b said collar member. 10

13. The combination, with the face mem- In testimony whereof, We hereunto afiix bers of a rectangular box, of a collar meniour signatures.

ber constructed and arranged to encircle said HARALD KOREN.

box when assembled or to receive and in- DON A. CLARK.

close said face members when disassembled, Witness: a

means for constricting and expanding said BRENNAN B. WEST.

copies of thin patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents- Washington, D. G. 

